An investigation of targeting ICOS-ICOSL pathway for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Grant Data
Project Title
An investigation of targeting ICOS-ICOSL pathway for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Principal Investigator
Dr Yick, Leung Wah
(Principal Investigator (PI))
Co-Investigator(s)
Dr Chan Koon Ho
(Co-Investigator)
Duration
24
Start Date
2022-08-01
Amount
1482344
Conference Title
An investigation of targeting ICOS-ICOSL pathway for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Presentation Title
Keywords
Animal model, Aquaporin-4, Autoantibodies, Autoimmune diseases, Neuromyelitis optica, T follicular helper cells
Discipline
Others - Medicine, Dentistry and Health
HKU Project Code
09201006
Grant Type
Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant
Funding Year
2021
Status
On-going
Objectives
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a severe inflammatory autoimmune CNS disease. Aquaporin-4 autoantibodies (AQP4-IgG) are pathogenic in NMOSD. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which are crucial for B cell responses and autoantibody production, have been associated with NMOSD. Continuous inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) signaling is required for the maintenance Tfh cell phenotype, and therefore regulates germinal center responses. We have found Tfh cell expansion in an autoimmune mouse model of NMOSD. The contribution of ICOS+ Tfh cells to disease activity and the therapeutic potential of targeting ICOS-ICOSL pathway in NMOSD is unclear.